Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century."

(Leonard Bernstein)


Quote:

"If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible."

(George Klein)


Quote:

"For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy."

(Professor Gilbert B. Rodman)


Quote:

"History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono!"

(Jerry Schilling)

 

 

 

 


 

Elvis by the Presleys

The "Target" Bonus DVD

Target stores in the US are offering a limited edition of the Elvis by the Presleys 2CD featuring a bonus DVD with selections from the upcoming 4 hour DVD version of the titular release.

The "bonus disc" makes fascinating viewing with two nicely produced chapters:

Driving Mrs. Presley

This chapter is an informal chat between Priscilla and Memphis Mafia member, Jerry Schilling, as they drive around the Los Angeles area. Basically Priscilla and Jerry reminisce on life with Elvis and it is a revealing, funny and colorful discussion.

Among the themes covered are:

  • Priscilla coming to Graceland
  • Priscilla's favorite Elvis songs
  • the L.A. homes
  • The Beatles meeting Elvis with a great quote from Paul McCartney and interesting observations about John Lennon by Priscilla
  • Neil Diamond lived next door to Elvis!
  • the Harum Scarum hair dye incident

Elvis - The Generous

This chapter opens with a yuletide wish from Elvis and segues into home video of Christmas at Graceland both when Elvis was alive and Christmas 2004. There is some great footage including Lisa Marie's first Christmas and of Elvis' favorite Graceland cook, Pauline (who still cooks the Christmas dinner at Graceland!)

The Christmas theme gives way to Elvs' great generosity - Jerry Schilling recounts the time Elvis bought 40 trucks and shows us the home Elvis bought for him in the 1960s.

More importantly the viewer learns how Elvis didn't want to grow old amassing millions of dollars. Rather he wanted to enjoy and share his good fortune with others. Was Elvis materialistic? Priscilla exposes one of the myths in the Elvis story.There are various interviews with Lisa and Priscilla, Patsy Presley Geranen (Elvis' double first cousin) and Jerry Schilling.

Throughout this chapter clips from the '68 Comeback Special are played as is rare archival video footage, including great color footage of Elvis and friends attempting to fix the Elvis Presley Tupelo Youth Center sign which had collapsed (guys...don't give up your day jobs).

More recent footage includes the opening of Presley Place (initiated by Lisa and Priscilla).

Fittingly, the chapter closes using If I Can Dream from the '68 Comeback Special.

Elvis - The Generous is complemented by a fine Elvis soundtrack.

Verdict: The "Target" bonus DVD is an intriguing release which suggests the 4 hour "Elvis by the Presleys" DVD will be a mandatory addition to every fan's Elvis library.

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